Manipuri art charms Biharis
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, October 01 2012:
The people of Bihar's Rajendra Nagar was spellbound by a Shumang Leela (traditional courtyard theatre) played by Sangai Artistes' Association of Manipur which was staged during the National Traditional Theatre Festival "Lokavinya" held at Premchand Rangashala in Patna.
The festival based on folk theatre was held on September 24-28 and five states including Manipur, Assam, Sikkim, Odisha and the host state Bihar participated it with different traditional plays of their own states.
For Sangai Artistes Association, it was the first time to take part in such a national festival.
The troupe of the Sangai Artistes' Association of Manipur staged the Shumang Leela titled "Maibado Maibido Mapuroibado" on the third day of the five-day long festival, Naba Wareppa, chairman of Academic Sub-committee of Manipur State Shumang Leela Council and director of the play, told reporters at the office of the Manipur State Shumang Leela Council, Palace Compound on Monday.
Naba said over 15 minutes were delayed to begin the Manipuri Shumang Leela at Premchand Rangashala as a huge audience thronged the hall to see it.
The audience responded with emotion while seeing the play in tune with its sequences.
All the local papers in Rajendra Nagar carried the story on the public response to the Manipuri Leela and the large audience who paid to see it, Naba recounted and such a big response indicated that the Sangai Artistes' Association was successful in the festival.